Randy McGinley Named District Attorney of the Year:

The District Attorneys Association of Georgia has named Randy McGinley, District Attorney for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit, as the 2025 District Attorney of the Year. The honor was announced at the annual summer conference put on by the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia where prosecutors and investigators from across the state gathered for professional training and collaboration.

McGinley and his wife, Charly.

 McGinley serves as District Attorney of the Alcovy Judicial Circuit – Walton and Newton counties – since June of 2020. He first joined the office in 2011 and served as the Chief Assistant District Attorney from 2017 until his appointed as DA following former DA Layla Zon’s appointment to the Superior Court bench.

McGinley recently served as the President of the District Attorney’s Association of Georgia from July 2024 until June 2025, playing a key role in supporting prosecutorial efforts statewide. In 2024, he was tapped to prosecute serious felony cases in other jurisdictions, where he obtained a guilty verdict from a Clarke County jury on a rape, child molestation case and a guilty plea in a murder of a cab driver in Columbus, Georgia. He has often appeared in front of both the Georgia Senate and Georgia House of Representatives advocating for prosecutors and testifying regarding the potential impact of proposed legislation.

This honor recognizes McGinley’s “dedication, energy and outstanding service to the citizens of Georgia.”

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by my peers from across Georgia,” McGinley said. “I’m proud to serve Walton and Newton counties and work alongside so many dedicated prosecutors, investigators, advocates, and law enforcement professionals every day.”

Lithonia Man Convicted of Rape, Child Molestation Involving Two Victims:

Late yesterday, July 17, 2025, a Newton County jury found Solomon Denham of Rape, Aggravated Sexual Battery, Aggravated Child Molestation, and 9 counts of Child Molestation involving two minor victims, one under 14 years of age and the other under 10 years of age.

The abuse occurred over months in 2020 in Newton County. It was reported in late 2021, with more disclosures of abuse coming as the investigation continued.

Soloman Denham

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Amber Dally, Deputy Chief Investigator Jill Lumpkin, Victim Advocate Madison Sanders, Trial Assistant Danielle Miller, and Legal Assistant Anna Sugg. The investigation and arrest were handled by the Covington Police Department. The victims received services from A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center.  

After the verdict, the Court ordered that a pre-sentence investigation be completed and set sentencing for a later date.

"I commend all those involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case. But justice could not have been obtained without the bravery of the survivors of this abuse to come forward and then come into court and testify about the Defendant’s actions.”

Randy McGinley

District Attorney

Alcovy Judicial Circuit

Conviction in December 2023 Salem Road Walmart Shooting:

Yesterday, July 17, 2025, a Newton County jury found David Ruffin, Jr. guilty of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony, Tampering with Evidence, and Criminal Trespass. After the jury returned that verdict, they continued deliberating on additional charges. However, during the juries deliberation on those charges, the Defendant pleaded guilty to the offenses of Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon During a Crime and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

David Ruffin

On December 30, 2023, an employee of the Salem Road Walmart in Covington got into an altercation with Ruffin's mother. Ruffin became involved and then assaulted and shot the Walmart employee. Multiple witnesses called 911 to report the shooting that occurred in the parking lot. At trial, the Defendant claimed that he was acting in defense of his mother. However, the evidence presented led to the jury clearly rejecting this claim.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Brooks, Trial Assistant Danielle Miller, Investigator Colin Cunningham, Victim Advocate Sophie Conner, and Legal Assistant Desiree Kozikowski. The investigation and arrest was handled by the Newton County Sheriff's Office.

Ruffin, who was a convicted felon at the time, remains in custody for a sentencing hearing at a later date.

"The District Attorney's Office is committed to prosecuting violent offenses that put our communities at risk. I am proud of the prosecution team, my entire office, local law enforcement, and the members of the public who called 911 and cooperated with law enforcement."

District Attorney Randy McGinley

Alcovy Judicial Circuit